Sports Mole previews Sunday’s Brasileiro clash between Flamengo and Atletico Goianiense, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.
With Palmeiras wobbling, second-placed Flamengo seek to keep the pressure on table-topping Botafogo when they host bottom Atletico Goianiense in Sunday’s gameweek 20 Brasileiro match at the Maracana.
Tite‘s men closed the gap to three points after Fogo’s draw last time out, and they could end the weekend top of the table if they notch maximum points and the side atop the standings are beaten.
Match preview
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Despite their position in second, Flamengo have been far from perfect on their turf, underscored by notching six wins from nine in front of their supporters.
While that return is not awful, it is the eighth-best in the top division, with 14 goals scored and 10 conceded by Tite’s side.
Mengao have fared significantly better on their travels, underlined by the team outranking every club if road results alone are considered, with the second-placed side scoring more and conceding fewer away from home.
Flamengo were not helped by a two-game winless wobble as hosts that saw them pick one point from six against Cuiaba (1-1) and Fortaleza (2-1 loss), but they responded with a 2-1 success over Criciuma on July 20.
Not helped by their inclination to outscore the opposition, Tite’s side are likely to continue that pattern as they hope they score enough at the other end for the umpteenth time this season.
While Atletico Goianiense have struggled to keep opponents out this term, evident by conceding 29 goals in 19 games, they are adept at finding the back of the net.
Vagner Mancini‘s men have scored in seven of their last eight league matches, firing blanks in the 1-0 loss against Vasco da Gama in mid-July.
Despite their challenges and a pair of dismissals, Dragao ended their losing run against Bahia last time out, eking out a 1-1 draw to avoid a sixth consecutive defeat.
The Dragon came within minutes of getting maximum points, only for Jean Lucas to level for Bahia in the ninth minute of second-half stoppage time.
With several suspensions to deal with Mancini’s men face a daunting proposition at the home of a title contender this weekend.
Flamengo Brasileiro form:
Atletico Goianiense Brasileiro form:
Team News
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Erick Pulgar, Wesley and Bruno Henrique are Tite’s only injury doubts for this weekend, with the home side close to 100% health.
Pedro, Gabriel Barbosa, Giorgian De Arrascaeta and Carlinhos have netted Flamengo’s last four goals in the Brasileiro, showcasing the hosts’ match-winning quality.
The trio of Alix, Emiliano Rodriguez and Guilherme Romao are suspended after receiving red cards against Bahia.
Bruno Tubarao (thigh) is not expected back from his injury until August, while Janderson will be assessed by the visitors before Sunday’s kick-off
Flamengo possible starting lineup:
Rossi; Varela, Bruno, Pereira, Vina; Nicolas, Allan; Gerson, De Arrascaeta, Everton; Pedro
Atletico Goianiense possible starting lineup:
Ronaldo; Roni, Henrique, Martins, Rodallega; Baralhas, Rhaldney, Freitas; Janderson, Hurtado, Fernando
We say: Flamengo 3-1 Atletico Goianiense
Despite wobbling in recent home games, Flamengo should make light work of an opponent that may struggle with their absences this weekend. We are backing Tite’s team to take advantage of the away side’s three-game losing road run and 10-match winless sequence to record a seventh home victory.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.